Elevate your weeknight dinner with the irresistible flavors of Char Siu Chicken! Inspired by the classic Chinese barbecue dish, this recipe features tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce infused with aromatic spices and soy sauce. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, Char Siu Chicken promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the bustling streets of Chinatown.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, five-spice powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Cook the chicken: Depending on your preference, you can grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken. If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken in a baking dish for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, basting with the marinade halfway through. If pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and caramelized.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Variations:
- Char Siu Pork: Substitute chicken with pork loin or pork shoulder for a traditional Char Siu Pork experience.
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
Serving Tips:
- Serve Char Siu Chicken with steamed white rice or noodles and your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover Char Siu Chicken makes excellent filling for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information:
- Chicken is a good source of lean protein, while the marinade adds flavor without excessive calories.
- Nutritional information per serving: Calories: [insert kcal]
FAQs:
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs or drumsticks can be used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken? A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Conclusion:
Char Siu Chicken offers a delicious fusion of flavors that will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or preparing a cozy dinner indoors, this dish is sure to impress with its bold and aromatic profile.
PrintChar Siu Chicken
Description
Elevate your weeknight dinner with the irresistible flavors of Char Siu Chicken! Inspired by the classic Chinese barbecue dish, this recipe features tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce infused with aromatic spices and soy sauce. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, Char Siu Chicken promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the bustling streets of Chinatown.
Ingredients
-
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
-
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
-
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
-
- 2 tablespoons honey
-
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
-
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
-
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
-
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
-
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
-
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
-
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
-
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, five-spice powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined.
-
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
-
- Cook the chicken: Depending on your preference, you can grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken. If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken in a baking dish for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, basting with the marinade halfway through. If pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and caramelized.
-
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.